Alternative Media Group

A chip off the old Block

Author:

Jason Marshall

Posted:

Thursday, 1 December 2011

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Redfern’s notorious ‘Block’ faces redevelopment after final plans were released at a special community meeting last Tuesday.

The Aboriginal Housing Company’s (AHC) long awaited Pemulwuy Project will ensure the provision of 62 low rent town houses and apartments to indigenous people.

It is hoped that the project will rejuvenate the area, well known for its rampant drug use, high levels of crime and occasional rioting.

AHC CEO and driving force behind the change, Mick Mundine, said the aim of the project is to “Build a good strong platform so our children will never suffer again”.

He thanked former NSW premier Kristina Keneally and Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP for coming down to the block and assisting with the early concept development application.

The area is divided into three precincts, which will be constructed in stages. Aside from the new dwellings occupying the land where the AHC has always provided housing, there are plans for 500 sq metres of retail, a child care centre with the capacity for 60 kids, a gym with the aboriginal flag etched into its glass facade and an art gallery.

The City of Sydney is contributing small amounts of land, including a laneway, to the project for a token sum of $20.

Ms Moore said, “The city is committed to working with the AHC to get the best possible outcome”.

Construction of the first stage of the $70 million project will be 70 per cent funded by the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS). The rest will be borrowed, but the AHC did not say from where.

The Scheme seeks to address the shortage of affordable rental housing by offering financial incentives to the business sector and community organisations. The aim is to encourage more development of rental accommodation for low to moderate income earners.

The AHC’s Project Manager, Greg Colbran, said the neighbourhood needs a greater diversification of income to make the affordable housing viable.

This is why the new development will involve a shopping precinct and accommodation for 154 students.

Mr Colbran said “we’re looking at $275-350 a week per student; that’s about standard in Sydney.”

The maximum payment a student on youth allowance can receive, including rent assistance, is $254.05 per week.

Greens Councillor Irene Doutney said she was very supportive of the project.

“The place has to go forward; it couldn’t stay in the terrible state it was in,” she said, “The aboriginal people have the right to stand on their feet.”

However she was concerned about the high cost of the student accommodation.

“We can’t bleed one group for another,” she said.

Construction will likely begin in May.

By Jason Marshall

 

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